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It has been nearly two decades since Toyota launched its segment-defining hybrid. Gasoline-electric powertrains are commonplace now, but Toyota has taken steps to make sure its Prius still stands out. This compact hatch features an extremely unusual—some would say cartoonlike—exterior that makes it impossible to ignore in dealer lots and organic grocery co-ops alike. The busy, unremittingly angular sheetmetal covers a comfortable if largely unimpressive interior and an eco-friendly powertrain that—per EPA estimates—can earn up to 58 mpg in the city in its most efficient Prius Two Eco guise. The Prius offers very little in the way of driving enjoyment; its smooth ride and predictable steering responses can’t eclipse the fact that it requires fully 10.5 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph. The Prius is the elder statesman of the hybrid segment, but upstarts such as the Hyundai Ioniq and the Kia Niro present meaningful competition.

What’s New for 2018?

The Prius remains largely unaltered for 2018, marking two model years with only modest updates after a 2016 redesign. The only change this year is that an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system is now available in the upper Four and Four Touring trims. That system was cribbed from the new-for-2017 Prius Prime and is intended to help the Prius compare favorably with more upscale electric vehicles such as Tesla’s Model S and Model 3.

What Was New for 2017?

The Prius was unchanged for 2017 after a comprehensive overhaul for the 2016 model year. Those changes included upgrading the nickel-metal hydride battery pack to lighter, industry-standard lithium-ion batteries in most models, a revised rear suspension for an improved ride, and, of course, that eyebrow-raising exterior redesign. A Two Eco model incorporates minor tweaks to earn a 58-mpg EPA rating in the city compared with the standard car’sstill impressive 54. The Prius Prime plug-in hybrid, reviewed separately, was a new addition to the lineup in 2017.

Trims and Options We’d Choose

Choosing the Prius that’s right for you will depend on your priorities. The Prius Two Eco (starting at $26,060), a half-step up from the Two model, incorporates several detail tweaks to squeeze out an extra 4 combined mpg according to the EPA compared with the base model and is a no-brainer for those who are focused solely on fuel economy. We’re accustomed to a few more creature comforts, however, so we’d opt for the Prius Three, which is fourth from the bottom in the Prius’s seven-trim lineup. That model starts at $27,630 and adds the following to the list of standard features:

Synthetic leather-look seats are available in the Three Touring model, but at $29,010 that trim pushes the total price close to $30,000. That’s a tidy sum for a car that uses undisguised plastic as its main interior trim element.